Tubeless tires have become pretty much standard on higher-end mountain bikes, thanks partly to the fact that they're able to self-seal small punctures. When it comes to larger holes, however, they need a little help. That's why award-winning South African competitive cyclist Stefan Sahm created the Sahmurai Sword.
The two-part system utilizes the same type of sticky "worms" used on punctures in tubeless car tires. Some cyclists have already taken to carrying such automotive kits with them, although the sharp bits can be dangerous in the event of a wipe-out – plus, it's just one more thing to carry.
Instead, the Sahmurai Sword is combined with a set of handlebar plugs. When a tire needs to be fixed, the plugs are twisted/pulled out to reveal the tools housed inside the bar.
Riders first use the awl-like reamer, to make the puncture large enough to accept a worm. They then stick said worm into the hole, using the fork tool. The dangling ends of the worm can subsequently be cut off, although the patch will still work if they aren't.
The Sahmurai Sword is already available in South Africa for ZAR350 (about US$29), with international distribution currently in the works. It's demonstrated in the following video.
Source: Sahmurai Sword (Facebook) via Bike Radar
